Matanzas: The Little Fort by the Sea

The smaller cousin to St. Augustine's famous Castillo has rich, important history

January 31, 2013|Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

CRESCENT BEACH, Fla —

When it comes to Florida's famous forts, St. Augustine's Castillo de San Marcos National Monument-- the massive coquina and oyster-tabby structure guarding the city's gates for nearly 350 years-- gets the most attention, with 2 million visitors annually. But for a majority of tourists visiting the "Nation's Oldest City," there is a much smaller outpost that played a vital role in keeping the Castillo and township secure from European invaders, that often goes unnoticed.

Located 15 miles to the south of St. Augustine on a pristine barrier island is Fort Matanzas National Monument. Constructed of the same coquina-tabby material as the Castillo, the little fort by the sea sits where the Matanzas River opens into the Atlantic, at Matanzas Inlet to the east, with a striking vista of endless salt marsh to the west.

The fort and surrounding inlet have a rich and violent history. More than 250 French Huguenots were slaughtered by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the founder of St. Augustine, in 1565. Nearly a 175 years later, the Spanish built Fort Mantazas to defend the back route to St. Augustine after several attacks on the settlement to the north from the British. Spanish soldiers stationed at the tiny annex fired their cannons in battle only once, during a conflict with a large British convoy in 1742.

Now a national monument operated by the U.S. National Park Service, Fort Matanzas National Monument hosts visitors daily, with rangers ferrying guests across the river to the visit the fort every half-hour. As Florida celebrates it's 500th anniversary of discovery --Juan Ponce de León's arrival on Florida's east coast-- it's a fitting tribute to make a trip to see the lesser-known but historically-significant Fort Matanzas. Admission to the park, and the boat ride, are free. More info: http://www.nps.gov/foma/